Upvote:2
Yes, you will need to change your visa.
The US State department explains that on a B type visa, the valid business uses are such:
- consult with business associates
- attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
- settle an estate
- negotiate a contract
Now obviously an internship is none of these. However, the list is not exhaustive, an they link to a PDF flier that explains a variety of business travel reasons and the visa (if any) that would be required. It states:
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Purpouse of your travel | About your temporary visit | Type of visa | Key Steps |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Internship | Practical training through an internship with a U.S. based employer, whether paid or unpaid by that company. | Temporary worker trainee (H-3) or Exchange Visitor (J) visa | H - U.S. employer files petition with USCIS. J – Applicant approval by J sponsor. After above approval, visa application at U.S.Embassy or Consulate |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
So it seems the company offering your internship would need to apply for a H type visa.